It was a beautiful summer day in the city so a group of office workers decided to take a lunch hour walk in the park. As they approached a bridge over a medium sized pond they were surprised that suddenly a man’s head popped out of the water gasping for breath and then going under the water’s surface again.

A quick poll of the group revealed none of the members knew how to swim but fortunately one, familiar with the park, knew a life preserver was available under the bridge’s railing. Quickly the preserver was launched toward the spot where the man had earlier appeared.

Within seconds the man surfaced again, but in a different spot, too far to reach the preserver. A group member reeled it in and threw it out again, but the man had gone under once more. The second attempt also failed to be within reach so a third time was in order.

The third time was better. The preserver landed right on top of the man’s head.

Surprisingly he reached up and threw the preserver away from him and said, “Stop throwing this at me.”

As Aesop established hundreds of years ago with his timeless fables we remember words best when we become engaged in a story. Max has compiled an anecdotal story collection designed to generate “ah-ha” moments during coaching sessions, presentations, and meetings. Click here to see more.